Health Care Forms

Your choice of medical care is very important, especially in the event that you are unable to state your desires at a time when a decision is necessary. Please choose your state from below.

State Laws

All States allow a person to make decisions concerning their health care.  A Medical Health Care Directive allows a person to make decisions about future health care in the event that the person is unable to state his or her desires at the time the decision is necessary.  All State laws vary, but the instruments generally used are a (1) Power of Attorney for Health Care, sometimes called a Medical Power of Attorney or Health Care Proxy, and a (2) Living Will.

Power of Attorney for Health Care
A Power of Attorney for Health Care allows you to appoint a person to make medical decisions for you in the event you are unable to do so.

Living Will
A Living Will is an instrument that puts in writing your wishes concerning medical treatment in the event you are unable to make the decision.  An example would be your decision to withhold life support if you are determined to be terminally ill.

Locate Medical Forms - You can search for health care directives, Power of Attorneys for health care, or Living Wills  for your State by using the following searches:
Power of Attorney - Look for the word "medical" or "health" in the form title.
Living Will

Also available - Elder Law Questionnaire, Estate Planning Questionnaire, Living Will Questionnaire.

Health Care FAQ

What is a Power of Attorney? A power of attorney is an instrument containing an authorization for one to act as the agent of the principal that terminates at some point in the future either by its terms or by operation of law such as death of the principal or agent. These have also been called letters of attorney.  The person appointed is usually called an Attorney-in-Fact. The person making the power of attorney appointment is called the principal.

What are the types of Power of Attorney forms available? Power of Attorney forms are available as follows: Child Care, Durable, General, or Limited/Special.

What is a Durable Power of Attorney? A durable power of attorney is a power of attorney that remains or becomes effective upon the principal's becoming incompetent or unable to manage his or her affairs.

What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care? A durable power of attorney for health care is a power of attorney where the principal appoints an agent to make health care decisions for the principal and it remains effective even after the incompetence of the principal.  It is often used as a form of advance health care directive.  Compare this to a living will where the person states his or her wishes in case of medical treatment.

What is a General Power of Attorney? A general power of attorney is a power of attorney authorizing the agent to carry on business or an enterprise for the principal and usually has broad powers.

What is a Special or Limited Power of Attorney? A special or limited  power of attorney is a power of attorney authorizing the agent to carry out a particular business or transaction for the principal.

What is a Living Will Directive? A living will directive provides instructions to your physicians and family members regarding life prolonging treatment and artificially provided nutrition and hydration to be provided to the grantor if he or she no longer has the decisional capacity, a terminal condition, or becomes permanently unconscious.

What is an anatomical gift? An anatomical gift allows the donor to designate specific body parts and organs that he or she wishes to donate at the time of death.

Top Questions about Health Care Forms

  • What are the 2 main types of advance directives?

    The two main types of advance directives are the living will and the health care proxy. A living will details your specific treatment preferences, whereas a health care proxy allows you to appoint someone to make decisions if you are unable to do so. Understanding these types can greatly enhance your Health Care Forms - Choice of Medical Care and ensure your wishes are respected.

  • What are the two main directives?

    The two main directives typically include the living will and the durable power of attorney for health care. A living will outlines your medical preferences, while a durable power of attorney designates a trusted individual to make decisions for you. Both are critical components of your Health Care Forms - Choice of Medical Care and can guide medical professionals to respect your wishes.

  • How to choose a health care proxy?

    Choosing a health care proxy requires careful consideration of your relationships and values. Look for someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf, someone who understands your preferences and will respect them. It’s crucial that this person is available and willing to take on this responsibility, ensuring your Health Care Forms - Choice of Medical Care are honored when needed.

  • Is a MOLST form an advance directive?

    A MOLST form, or Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, indeed serves a similar purpose but is slightly different from a traditional advance directive. It provides specific medical orders based on someone's preferences regarding treatment at the end of life. Understanding how both documents work is vital for making informed decisions in your Health Care Forms - Choice of Medical Care.

  • What are the 2 major challenges with advance directives?

    Two major challenges with advance directives include miscommunication and lack of awareness. Sometimes, family members may not fully understand your wishes, leading to conflicts during critical situations. Additionally, many people are not familiar with the specifics of these documents, making it essential to educate yourself and your loved ones about the importance of Health Care Forms - Choice of Medical Care.

  • How to fill out an advanced directive?

    Filling out an advanced directive involves a few straightforward steps. First, you need to clearly state your health care preferences in the document. Make sure to include specific details about the types of medical treatments you would or would not want. After that, sign the form in the presence of witnesses or a notary, as required by your state laws, to ensure that your Health Care Forms - Choice of Medical Care are legally valid.

  • What is a directive paper?

    A directive paper is a term that often refers to legal documents outlining medical care preferences and decision-making authority. This can include living wills and durable powers of attorney. Such papers are vital for ensuring your health care choices are respected when you are unable to communicate them. By utilizing appropriate Health Care Forms - Choice of Medical Care, you clarify your directives and provide peace of mind.

  • Does everyone with health insurance get a 1095?

    While most people with health insurance receive a 1095 form, it is not guaranteed for everyone. This form is a tax document that reports your health coverage, and it assists you in filing your tax return. If you do not receive one and believe you should have, be sure to check with your insurance provider. Understanding your Health Care Forms - Choice of Medical Care includes knowing which tax documents apply to your situation.

  • What is an example of a directive statement?

    An example of a directive statement is: 'If I am in a terminal condition and unable to make decisions, I do not want life-sustaining treatments.' This clear instruction communicates your wishes regarding medical care in specific situations. Such statements are crucial when filling out Health Care Forms - Choice of Medical Care, as they guide your healthcare providers and loved ones in difficult circumstances.

  • Where do I get a medical directive form?

    You can obtain a medical directive form through various sources, including hospitals, health care facilities, and legal websites. Additionally, Uslegalforms offers a collection of Health Care Forms - Choice of Medical Care, which includes customizable advance directive templates. These resources provide guidance and ensure that your forms meet your state's legal requirements. It's essential to have the right documentation ready.